AutoTrader attended the local launch of the GWM Tank 300 and the brand renewal conference hosted in Gauteng. During the event, the Chinese automaker shared how much progress they have made in the local market as well as handed over the very first Tank 300 vehicle to its owner.
Related: GWM Tank 300 (2024) - First Drive Review
Even more exciting was the sharing of what models South Africa can expect to arrive in 2024. So, before you sell your car quickly and easily here and start your search for new or used GWM models on AutoTrader, let us first take a look at what models will be making their local debuts soon.
GWM brands and product positioning
While most motoring enthusiasts will know the GWM brand and its products, the Chinese automaker has created clear categories and sub-brands for better product positioning. While the Haval and P-Series nameplates remain the primary brands and products, the Tank, ORA and WEY brands are positioned as GWM's premium line-up.
Note that WEY models are not likely to reach South African shores soon as they are primarily developed for left-hand drive markets. ORA made its local appearance in 2023 with the full electric 03 model, while the Tank nameplate arrived in 2024 with the Tank 300 range.
Related: GWM ORA 400 GT Ultra Luxury (2024) - South Africa's cheapest electric car range
Upcoming GWM models
Haval Jolion Pro
A brand new Haval Jolion is due to arrive in the second quarter of 2024. Customers will be able to choose from two trim levels on the entry-level derivative. The entry-level model will be powered by a 1.5-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol motor producing 105 kW and 210 Nm of torque. It sends the power to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The next variant in the line-up also employs a 1.5-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, this derivative makes 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque available and utilises multilink independent rear suspension instead of the torsion beam suspension on the entry-level unit.
The flagship model combines a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to become a Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The 140 kW and 370 Nm of torque produced from the combination is sent to the front wheels via Haval's Direct Hybrid Transmission system. Pricing for the new Haval Jolion lineup will be made available closer to or during the local launch of the new range.
Related: Haval Jolion HEV (2023) - Review - Hybrid drive for the masses
Haval H7
Also planned to be introduced during the second quarter of 2024 is the Haval H7. The model is quite large, measuring 4 705mm long, 1 908mm wide and 1 780mm tall. Three derivatives will become available, and two of them will be motivated by a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol motor coupled to a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In the entry-level unit, the 170 kW and 380 Nm of torque are sent to two wheels only, while the next derivative up will propel all four wheels.
The flagship in the range will combine a 1.5-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to become a Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The 179 kW and 530 Nm of torque will be sent to two wheels via Haval's Direct Hybrid Transmission system. Pricing for the Haval H7 will be made available closer to or during the local launch of the new range.
Related: Haval H6 HEV 1.5T Ultra Luxury (2023) review
GWM P-Series P500
While the current GWM P-Series is quite large as is, the Chinese automaker is planning to introduce an even larger and more niche bakkie to the local market namely the P500. This behemoth measures 5 445mm long, 1 991mm wide and 1 924mm tall and utilises a body-on-frame construction. Two engine configurations will be available at launch.
First is the 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor coupled to a 9-speed Hydraulic Automatic Transmission (9HAT). The hybrid vehicle produces 255 kW and 648 Nm of torque and sends the power to all four wheels. The Chinese automaker also made available a diesel motor taking shape as a 2.4-litre, turbocharged motor, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
This configuration produces 135 kW and 480 Nm of torque and also sends it to all four wheels. Pricing for the GWM P-Series P500 will be made available closer to or during the local launch of the new range.
Related: GWM P-Series Limited (2023) Video Review
GWM Tank 500
Last but not least is the GWM Tank 500, which is also expected to land during the second quarter of 2024. Like the P-Series P500, it utilises a body-on-frame construction. Also, like the P500, the Tank 500 uses a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor to produce 255 kW and 648 Nm of torque.
Using the 9-speed Hydraulic Automatic Transmission (9HAT), the hybrid vehicle sends the power to all four wheels and should prove formidable on and off-road. This model is also quite large as it measures 5 078mm long, 1 934mm wide and 1 905mm tall. Pricing for the GWM Tank 500 will be made available closer to or during the local launch of the new range.
